THE VALUE OF THE MAGAZINE

AMONG THE MANY wonderful aspects of your magazine is its function as a (perhaps unintentional?) forum for its readers. I cite the January/February issue as an example of the informational benefit that goes beyond the informative articles.

I was inspired upon reading Kimberly Davis’ letter to the editor about the painful loss of her Chelsea, followed by her subsequent, hesitant introduction to Daisy and recognition of the time needed to cement the bond. Her words recalled for me the first lesson of pet parenting.

Now in my 80th year and having loved many, many animals — dogs, cats, horses and others — over those eight decades, I’ve come to understand that sometimes months can be required to reach a mutually rewarding relationship. For us humans, lasting attraction largely is about companionship capacity or appearance or personality quirks or neediness (perhaps on both the animal’s and the human’s part). However, for the animal, it seems to me that it’s all about trust. Trust that safety is assured, that basic needs are fulfilled, that life as a pet is better than any alternative — none of which the pet can articulate. Building that trust simply takes time; I remind myself that there is no shortcut.

I also was thrilled by S. Young’s letter recognizing the generally untold efforts of those who feed, transport, vaccinate, spay or neuter, foster, adopt, get emergency vet care for and otherwise care for animals in need — all at personal expense. I am one of those folks and it is so nice to know that someone else understands. Our numbers are legion. Thank you for your efforts, for your publication, and for your readers. Melody Jameson

BY EMAIL